Hunting in Montana: 4 Things for Landowners to Know About Hunting on Private Property

Private landowners in Montana hold a good amount of the state’s lands, many of which have caught the eyes of hunters across the country. Often, these hunters are eager to gain access to these private lands, but it is important for landowners to remember that they hold the ultimate authority over their property. Here are some important things for Montana landowners to keep in mind about hunting on private property.ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now

General Guidelines - As dictated by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, any hunting on private lands in Montana is only legal if the hunter has received express permission from the landowner. This means that landowners have the ultimate control over what happens on their lands: they have every right to allow hunters on their lands as well as to maintain their privacy.

Block Management Program - Landowners who are willing to allow hunters onto their property, but want a more formal contract than simply granting permission, may be interested in Montana’s Block Management Program. Introduced in 1985, the program allows willing landowners to submit applications indicating their decision to let hunters onto their lands and then publishes a list of private lands open to hunters every year on August 15. Participation by landowners is completely voluntary, and landowners can choose to make their lands open under all circumstances or establish a system of reservations, keeping the ultimate control of the property in their hands.

Hunter-Landowner Stewardship Program - Any landowners who choose to allow hunters onto their property should definitely know about this program. Conducted entirely online, the Hunter-Landowner Stewardship Program is a course that can be completed in about two hours. The course educates hunters about proper etiquette when hunting on private lands. Those who complete the course earn a certificate which can be saved to their account in the license database of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. This is a great way for landowners to help ensure that interactions with any hunters on their property will be respectful and in the best interest of both parties.

Access Public Lands Program - Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks created this program in an attempt to reduce tensions between private landowners and hunters trying to reach public hunting areas. Oftentimes, hunters cut across private lands to reach legal hunting grounds, upsetting landowners in the process. The Access Public Lands Program uses its funding to establish mutually agreeable access corridors through private lands to public hunting grounds, place signs indicating boundaries between private and public lands, and add extra patrols where needed. Additionally, the program provides several incentives for participating landowners including installing fencing, cattle guards, and water crossings where needed for access routes. This program is great for landowners who do not want others hunting on their property but live near public grounds.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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